Larry English DE/OLB 6'2 255 Northern Illinois 4.85

English had a huge freshman year, tallying a career high 78 tackles, seven for loss, and a sack. He became one of the more feared pass rushers in college football as a sophomore, finishing the year with 51 tackles, 16 for loss, and 12 sacks. As a junior, English became a two time 1st team all MAC selection after posting 67 tackles, 17 for loss, and 10.5 sacks. English was named the MAC’s Defensive Player of the Year as a senior, totaling 37 tackles, 16 for loss, and eight sacks on the year.

Strengths

English is one of the most natural pass rushers in the draft. He has an array of pass rush moves that allow him to apply consistent pressure off the edge. He has tremendous quickness off the snap, and shows the agility to get around the tackle and lay a hit on the quarterback. English is a fluid athlete and can change direction and diagnose the run and change his course to make the play against a back. He is active on the perimeter and shows the ability to stop the run and not just attack the quarterback.

Weaknesses

English is a tweener at the NFL level. He lacks the size to play end on an every down basis, and may have to play in a 3-4 defense. The question at that spot is, does he have the closing speed to finish plays off. He is more quick than fast, and may have trouble closing on the action in space.

Future

English is a talented football player and has natural instincts and pass rush ability should allow him to be a productive NFL player. English has taken his game up a notch since the season ended. The post season has given him a chance to prove himself against players from bigger schools, and he has taken advantage. At the Senior Bowl, English impressed with ability to get up the field, and at the combine he again displayed his natural athleticism. His 40 at the combine wasn’t very good, but his cone drills were solid. He was fluid and showed the change of direction skills to allow him to carry over his pass rush ability, and also handle a switch to linebacker in a 3-4. English has a very good chance to hear his name called in the first round on draft day.